CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-4258U vs Intel Core i5-3210M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-4258U is a high-performance dual-core mobile processor launched in mid-2013 as part of the 4th Generation Core (Haswell) family. Unlike standard U-series chips that operate at 15 watts, this model features a 28-watt TDP, allowing for significantly higher clock speeds and a more powerful integrated graphics solution. It runs at a base clock of 2.4 GHz and can boost up to 2.9 GHz, providing robust single-threaded performance for a mobile chip of its era. The processor supports Hyper-Threading, offering four threads across its two cores. Crucially, it integrates Intel HD Graphics 5100 (Iris Graphics), which features 40 execution units and a higher max dynamic frequency compared to lower-tier models. This made it an ideal choice for premium thin-and-light laptops that required extra graphical horsepower without the need for a discrete GPU, bridging the gap between basic ultrabooks and professional workstations.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High clocks helped single-threaded apps.
Struggles with modern JavaScript-heavy web pages.
Gaming
Iris 5100 allowed for decent 720p gaming.
Only capable of running old or very light 2D games.
Virtualization
Adequate for light VMs.
Limited to very basic VMs with 4 threads.
Efficiency
Higher power draw than 15W chips.
Good for 2012, but poor standby and idle efficiency by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware.
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Extremely slow for inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris 5100 was good for integrated graphics in 2013.
- HD 4000 is vastly outdated
- Cannot run modern 3D titles
- Suitable only for legacy games like Half-Life 2
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Iris 5100 graphics
- 28W TDP for sustained performance
- 2.4 GHz base clock
- Great for 2013 MacBook Pro
Cons
- Obsolete dual-core
- Soldered BGA
- Runs warmer than 15W chips
- No Windows 11 support
Pros
- Good performance for its era (2012)
- 22nm process improved battery life over Sandy Bridge
- Includes AES-NI for fast encryption
- Supports VT-x and VT-d
- HD 4000 was a solid iGPU upgrade
Cons
- Severely outdated for modern workloads
- No official Windows 11 support
- Only 2 cores and 4 threads
- Integrated graphics cannot handle modern games
- Lacks modern I/O like USB 3.1 Gen 2 or NVMe natively
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-4258U
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4558URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4288URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3210MRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5557MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4278UAlt
Faster refresh model.
- Alt
Modern replacement for the MacBook Pro line.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i5-8259UAlt
Modern 28W quad-core alternative.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern budget alternative with Vega graphics.
Intel Core i5-3210M
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile APU
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i5-2450MRival
Mobile CPU
- Intel Core i3-3110MRival
Mobile CPU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3517URival
Low Voltage Mobile
Slightly faster Ivy Bridge alternative.
Compare head-to-headHaswell successor with much better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
Modern budget mobile alternative.
- Intel Celeron N4500Alt
Modern low-end alternative with better single-thread speed.
- Intel Pentium Silver N6000Alt
Modern efficient alternative for basic tasks.
Our Verdict on Each
Excellent performance and graphics for 2013, but outclassed by modern integrated solutions.
Best for: Used MacBook Pro for cheap typing
Read the full reviewA capable processor for 2012, but severely outdated for modern workloads. Only viable for basic legacy laptop repairs.
Best for: If you are considering purchasing a laptop or system with the Intel Core i5-3210M today, it should only be for extremely specific, budget-constrained scenarios. This processor is over a decade old and lacks support for modern instruction sets required by current software. It does not officially support Windows 11, meaning you will be restricted to older operating systems or Linux distributions. For basic tasks like web browsing, word processing, or watching 1080p video, it can still function adequately if paired with a solid-state drive (SSD) and sufficient RAM. However, it will struggle with modern multitasking, video conferencing, and any form of content creation. Do not purchase this for gaming, as the integrated HD 4000 is vastly outdated. The best use case is repairing an existing legacy laptop or building a retro computing rig. Otherwise, investing in a newer, even low-end modern processor will provide a vastly superior experience.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-4258U or Intel Core i5-3210M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4258U comes out ahead with a score of 6/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-4258U or Intel Core i5-3210M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4258U leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Intel Core i5-4258U and Intel Core i5-3210M.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4258U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-4258U (28 W), Intel Core i5-3210M (35 W).
Do Intel Core i5-4258U and Intel Core i5-3210M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-4258U: Intel BGA 1168, Intel Core i5-3210M: Socket G2 (988B) / BGA 1023), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4258U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-4258U (3,400), Intel Core i5-3210M (2,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.